There are a number of companies that make a similar type of ruler, however this is my favourite. I find it more versatile!

I like this ruler because it also allows me to create HST in 1/8 increments as well as 1/16. Most other rulers I have seen only provide 1/4 or 1/2 inch increments.

Now, take your sewn fabric strip and lay it on your cutting board.

Line up the desired ruler marking size on your sewing line. In this case, I want 2 1/2 inches.

Your sewing line becomes the guide for the ruler position.

Take your rotary cutter and cut your HST.

It doesn't matter which side you like to start cutting first. I like to start with the right side and cut the left side last!

When you cut your second HST, you bring your fabric strip to the left and cut. Continue flip flopping your fabric strip until you either have the strip fully cut or the desired number of HST.

If you are accurate in your cutting, you can line up the ruler to the last cutting edge. Myself, I like to re-cut therefore, I leave a bit of fabric and cut both sides fresh.

This method uses the least amount of fabric!

Voila!

You have a perfect half square triangle.

The strip method makes it so simple for those sawtooth borders! Of course it would not be an ideal method if you only need a couple of HST.

Can you guess where the bias is?

Hum.... provide me with the correct answer and I'll put your name in a draw for a prize! Deadline March 31, 2011.

I don't know about you, but I always need to square my HST. No matter how accurate I try to be, they always seem to come out wonky. The Strip method allows me to cut and square at the same time!

A word about the rule: As your HST get bigger, you require smaller strips, otherwise you are wasting fabric, something I do not like to do. From 3 inch (unfinished) and above check the size you would need. For instance, a 2.5" strip is sufficient to cut 3" HST.

Thanks for stopping by! Have fun making a gazillion half square triangles!

22 comments:

I was having bad reactions to something in commercial starch so I started making my own. It's really inexpensive and so simple. If anyone is interested, I have the recipe here:http://vickiwelsh.typepad.com/field_trips_in_fiber/2008/05/liquid-starch-r.html

I love using starch on my fabrics. I buy Sta-Flo at WalMart - like the brand you use, it can be diluted to whatever crispness you prefer. Also you can get a powder starch from Lehmans Non-Electric catalog online. I LOVE shopping there *s* Happy pressing!

Haha -- that bias is all around your outside edges! Wow -- this looks like a fantastic method. I used to always use the easy angle and I loved that method, although each set of triangles had to be sewn after they were cut. They I moved to the big grid method, but those always have to be squared up -- what a LOT of work. This method looks perfect -- THANK YOU for sharing!!!

I am working on the first Civil War quilt right now --- getting ready to do block 7 - so I am totally going to try this method! I think the Fons and Porter ruler that I have will work although it just has the 1/2 inch markings. Thanks so much for the tip! The bias is along the outside edges.

I am off to a weekend retreat to sew - sew - sew! And maybe drink a little wine :))

Hi Carole,Great tut! I'll be stopping by on Saturday. As for your bias, if you started with a straight of grain strips then the bias will be on the edges of your HST, BUT if you started with "bias strips" then the bias is the sewn seam in the middle of your HST. LOL

Jane

PS: I have that ruler for squaring up my HST units and love it too. It's a must!

I go to the General Dollar and buy regular starch for cooking. Last time I only paid 1.25/box. I take a quart pyrex measuring cup and add about 1.5 to 2 tbls of starch, stir with wisk. Microwave for 3 min on high,stoping to stir about every min. Then it can be diluted with warm water for my consistancy. To make it smell so good. I buy the cheapest Bath and Body works splash, I like lavender, and pour about 2tbls with the mixture. Very cheap and smells good.

About Me

I'm originally from Montréal, Québec. Creativity and curiosity is a part of my life. I've recently obtained Master of Arts in the History and Philosophy of Religion! What am I doing with my degree, you might ask? Why, I opened a quilt shop - Fibre Junction! ;o)